Category: Reviews



Prodigal AngelProdigal Angel by N.R. Champagne

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Disclosure: I was gifted this Kindle version of the book for an honest review.

As for star rating I would have given the story 3 1/2 stars. Not that the story was bad. It could just be me. I am a little over angel and or demon books. That isn’t the author’s fault. It is just what I have spent a lot of time reading for other authors. Luckily, the book doesn’t label the people as angels and demons per se. They are just other beings.

There is a lot of death and destruction that would have had me leaving the book behind, but the main character, Miranda, had won me over. I thought she was well developed. She felt real to me. And I liked her.

Many times the story gets a bit preachy on ecology and global warming. But since I believe we need to wake up and start being stewards of this planet, I didn’t mind. Others might find that off putting.

One of the fun parts of the book is getting to go along for the ride, be it bicycle or trailer truck. Miranda has quite the adventure while staying healthy.

There is a bit of romance, not too much. There are a few triggers for some people. But the bad people get their due.

Give it a try. You may like it. I might like it better if I read it again later.

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The Last Little Blue Envelope (Little Blue Envelope, #2)The Last Little Blue Envelope by Maureen Johnson

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a delightful series! I am sorry to be finished with book 2. I do hope there will be more. For the young adult this widens the world to seek out life beyond the comfort zone. For those of us that are older and for whatever reason bound to our situation of home and hearth, this lets out our wanderlust. We travel with Ginny and her friends to fulfill the requests of her belated Aunt Peg’s ‘scavenger hunt’ listed in her 13 blue envelopes.
For me, it was during a couple weeks of the summer when I chose to watch over other walls than my usual four. I was house sitting for relatives and friends. It would still be me sitting somewhere. But it got me out of my bed and on other sofas. Meanwhile, reading this special book, I felt I was really traveling, after all. packing and unpacking was involved. So though my real life was spent doing my usual within the same city I live in, I was in London, England, Amsterdam, and Paris.
I read finished reading this over a week ago, already returned the book to the library. But I loved it so much that I think when I feel the wanderlust, I will look this series up again. It was that much fun.

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Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates
Fierce Invalids Home from Hot Climates by Tom Robbins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As most of the Tom Robbins novels I have read, this gave me many smiles and chuckles. I love Mr. Robbins’s sense of humor, depth of research, and verbal diarhea. No, not as a steady diet. I have to be in the mood for his ways and stories. The fact that I have owned the hardback for decades is proof of how I must pace my intake of his work.

I waited too long. The last time I tried to read this book I realized the font was too small to enjoy. So I waited until I could afford the Audible version. Even then I wasn’t ready. But this was on my virtual and physical shelves the longest and I wanted to set it free of those binds.

Aubible is such a wonderful system for those of us who need the help. Not only is the story easier to read with the assistance of the narrator, but, I felt, deeply enhanced. Keith Szarabajka seemed to have the innate ability to channel Tom Robbins. He had characterizations for for the population in this book. His sexy deep voice gives the main character, Switters, a bit of a 007 quality.

Looking at all the reviews of this book I see that the ratings range from the one star to five. I really think this is due to moods and lack of audio version to enjoy. For those that couldn’t stand the book, please do as I did and put it off until you are ready to enjoy the nuances Tom throws into all his book. Yes, a little crazy helps the read.

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Bountiful Women: Large Women's Secrets for Living the Life They Desire
Bountiful Women: Large Women’s Secrets for Living the Life They Desire by Bonnie Bernell

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a slow read for me. Not that the writing was bad, but because it was the paperback version and the font was small. But it wasn’t so small that I couldn’t take it in small doses.

Going deeper, the information that gave reminders that all of us need; that we are okay as we are. Fat shaming has never helped a bountiful woman or man to lose weight. That those who are of bountiful size have had enough with dieting that doesn’t work. That trying to hide so as to avoid the critical voices, hides us from those who might be our friends or more.

Did I learn anything new here? No. Just some affirmations I had forgotten. Moreover, I wish the book had started with the ending stories. The beginning seemed a dream for those of us who have fixed incomes. The suggestions we go to health spas or invest in counseling that can also be exorbitant. Instead offering ideas to find those positive beings to come into our lives that create the kind of support we all need.

So, sorry, it’s just okay but worth the read. Find the bits, as I did, and pass it on.

I registered this one with BookCrossers, the BCID here:  473-12817834

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The Sound of Crickets
The Sound of Crickets by Marissa Farrar

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Bittersweet blogging. Those are the words that stand out in my mind when thinking about this book. I finished it last night just before Sandman Time. So I was left hoping I could remember to do the review justice when I finally put fingers to keyboard.

For my blogging friends, the senarios presented are not so far fetched. We find people we consider friends, from all over the world, with differing opinions, who we have never met. We care deeply when they report of illness or loss in their lives. We feel anger when we see that they are making mistakes that we know they must to learn who they are. We feel elation at those finding love or giving birth. We share ‘Ah ha!’ moments together and wonder, “Why didn’t I think of that?” when they present simplistic marvels within their blogs. Most of all we enjoy support and support others in the process. The Sound of Crickets embraced it all.

Spoilers keep wanting to slip out as I write this. Though at times in the book, you can see what is coming, still it is lovingly fed out to us, byte by byte. There are a few laugh out loud moments and others where you might need your kleenex, but it is worth the ride.

By the way, don’t feel like you wouldn’t know what to do with a book that blogs out the lives of four women. If you love books using letter, email, or tweets to convey the story, this works just as well. The fact, that these four didn’t know each other at all when they set up this blog leads us all through their getting to know each other and themselves while living their lives.

I wanted a book that would help me relax and go to sleep. The title drew me in. But this book isn’t boring at all. No, it isn’t a thriller/suspense novel, but the characters draw you in and lead you down roads that you might not expect. It gives a glimpse of humanity at its best and most human. I do hope others will pick it up as it is worth the read.

Dear Marissa Farrar (author), PLEASE, a sequel??? I want to see the characters grow even more, maybe add a few more bloggers?
Bittersweet blogging. Those are the words that stand out in my mind when thinking about this book. I finished it last night just before Sandman Time. So I was left hoping I could remember to do the review justice when I finally put fingers to keyboard.

For my blogging friends, the senarios presented are not so far fetched. We find people we consider friends, from all over the world, with differing opinions, who we have never met. We care deeply when they report of illness or loss in their lives. We feel anger when we see that they are making mistakes that we know they must to learn who they are. We feel elation at those finding love or giving birth. We share ‘Ah ha!’ moments together and wonder, “Why didn’t I think of that?” when they present simplistic marvels within their blogs. Most of all we enjoy support and support others in the process. The Sound of Crickets embraced it all.

Spoilers keep wanting to slip out as I write this. Though at times in the book, you can see what is coming, still it is lovingly fed out to us, byte by byte. There are a few laugh out loud moments and others where you might need your kleenex, but it is worth the ride.

By the way, don’t feel like you wouldn’t know what to do with a book that blogs out the lives of four women. If you love books using letter, email, or tweets to convey the story, this works just as well. The fact, that these four didn’t know each other at all when they set up this blog leads us all through their getting to know each other and themselves while living their lives.

I wanted a book that would help me relax and go to sleep. The title drew me in. But this book isn’t boring at all. No, it isn’t a thriller/suspense novel, but the characters draw you in and lead you down roads that you might not expect. It gives a glimpse of humanity at its best and most human. I do hope others will pick it up as it is worth the read.

Dear Marissa Farrar (author), PLEASE, a sequel??? I want to see the characters grow even more, maybe add a few more bloggers?

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Home, Sweet Home
Home, Sweet Home by Amitis Karami

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh, that was adorable! I loved the illustrations and the sweet story.

Though I found the poetry forced. It would read aloud well as the rhythm stayed true, it was more the word order that bothered me.

When I read children’s stories I imagine reading them to my four kids… when they were kids. Back then we had goats and chickens, ducks, a dog and a cat. Thank goodness we had a barn! A discussion would have followed the read. We would have talked about how nice it was for the lady to take in her cold, wet friends. How we should always try to be kind to others, golden rule recited. How our animals give us so much including food, love and laughs.

There were pages that might work better in paper form, such as the picture of the friends with the lady in the bed were cut in half. I have no idea how that could be fixed for Kindle or epub.

Thank you for sharing this sweet book with me. I would give this four stars. I thinks it is fantastic for a first!

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Bermuda Triangle
Bermuda Triangle by Susan Cartwright
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My author friend, Susan Cartwright gave this story to me a while back to see what I thought. For some odd reason I didn’t do a review. Maybe there wasn’t a place here on GoodReads at the time? I don’t know. I just saw it listed on my Shelfari. Yeah, I keep forgetting that site is there. So I thought I would try to make sure this review happened.

Okay, the writing was great. The overall story was interesting. My own biases get invovled here. I found it too man-heavy. I am not into military life and jargon, though the author did a wonderful job in her research. This is where my navy husband was able to verify that research.

I did like the ending, it felt rather like Twilight Zone or X-Files. You do not guess how it will end.

Oh, my other bias is short stories. I am not only a novel reader, I prefer LONG series. I love getting to know the characters in depth and learning about their worlds. So, unfortunately, this made me uncomfortable in telling my friend how I felt. Still, after all this time I remember the story, so I am going to raise my rate from three stars to four. 🙂

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Review: Shafter


Shafter Shafter by Margaret McGaffey Fisk
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Twelve year old Darlene would have LOVED this book. Yet at 64 I love it even deeper. As a kid, reading about Trina’s adventures on her home world while dreaming of space travel would have captured my heart, as that was my dream. As an older adult, I can see the fuller picture that includes the choices Trina and her sister, Katie, must make as they grow to become adults.

 

Feminism embraces these choices. The old world explorers knew some of these choices. Stay with the family you know or explore. Meeting new people and finding yourself in new family happens, our population wouldn’t be so large if that wasn’t the case. But then which dream to do you follow? Do you stay or do you go? Can you live without your loved ones? Would they want you to? All these questions are addressed within a tight, well-written story I didn’t want to leave.

 

You know those tales you leave with sadness, that make you read slower to savor your time with the characters but the plot won’t let you? Yeah, that’s what happened to me with this book. I am so glad to know Margaret McGaffey-Fisk! Maybe I can put peer pressure on her to make this a series? What an excellent read!

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Silver Bullet Silver Bullet by S.M. Reine
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another quick read. The only reason it took me so long was because it was a bit too intense to read before bed.I must admit that even as distressing as the story became, there was enough humor to offset it.

This will not go down as my favorite S.M. Reine series. I like the others that are with female leads. Riley is so sweet and strong. Elise was a tough cookie and even though she ended up a demon, she always fought for what was good. Cesar is mostly boring to me. And the worst part of the story is that the women in this series are mostly arm-candy.

All that said, the story itself is engaging. I want to know what is going to happen next. And since this one is set in Reno-Tahoe area, I felt quite involved. AND I look forward to the next book in the series, Hotter Than Helltown.

Keep cranking them out, Sarah! Your books are always unique and fun.

By the way, this was a free read for honest review.

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13 Little Blue Envelopes with Bonus Material 13 Little Blue Envelopes with Bonus Material by Maureen Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Sorry I didn’t send you all postcards. I didn’t have time to stop for souvenirs. Ah, but aren’t road trips the best? That’s how I felt as I was reading this charming book. Like I have been from New York to visit a lot of Europe. I met so many people and saw so many sights. I might have learned a thing or two along the way.

Every moment of this book was fun, even the angsty ones. These weren’t the usual teen/romance angsts but rather of getting lost or being shy or missing a loved one. Anyone can relate to those feelings, no matter what their age or gender. I loved the characters and their growth throughout the book. I so wanted to give Gin, the MC a hug on a few occasions. That’s how real she felt to me.

You know, I only have one bad thing to say about the book. That is about the bonus part. That is the first bit of the next book. You see, this book was free, way back in–was it 2011 or 2012? In fact, I couldn’t find the B004T5V4L6 edition on Amazon. At any rate, it was the lead up to book two that was the bonus. Picture me with a fish-hook through my mouth. So I went to look for the next one and found it to be way to expensive for my meager book allowance. AND neither this book or the next are lending-enabled. BOO! So I am on a waiting list for the library version. Hope the font is large enough for me.

Anyway, want to travel? Pick up this book. $1.99, I think. Compared to the cost of the flight alone, that is a bargain! Enjoy!

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